Major Characters

Character Chart from Cliff Notes

Willy Loman

• A Salesman
• Very lively in the Early 1920s
• Loses will to live during the 1920s
• Displays the many characteristics of a falling person:
  • adultery
  • losing job
  • gives everything away
  • Lies
    • Lies to his wife about his salary
    • Lies to Charley about getting fired
• Commits suicide
• Represents the pursuit and eventual destruction associated with the American Dream

Biff Loman

• Successful football player
• Failed high school, and basically on life (he can't hold a job)
• Realized a true calling that was contrary to the beliefs of the times
• Seen as a lazy bum by his parents as he is in his 30's and still sucking money from them
• Represents the redefining of the American Dream that society seems to rejects

Happy Loman

• Moderately successful, salesman like father
• Displays similar pitfalls of his dad and the times:
  • Lies
  • Fraternizes with women
• Also seen as a lazy bum by his parents for living with his parents still at an age over 30
• Represents the stubbornness of the previous American Dream and those who follow it